Kirksville man found guilty of fifth DWI

James E. Steele, 37, found guilty of fifth offense of driving while intoxicated

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Kirksville Daily Express - Kirksville, MO

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Posted Sep. 23, 2013 at 1:00 PM

Posted Sep. 23, 2013 at 1:00 PM

Kirksville

A Kirksville man will face at least 10 years in jail after being found guilty of driving while intoxicated as a repeat and persistent offender.

James E. Steele Jr., 37, was found guilty Friday of the class B felony of driving while intoxicated by a Lewis County jury Friday.

The jury heard the case after a change of venue was granted from Adair County.

Steele was found guilty of driving while intoxicated as a chronic offender with four prior DWI convictions.

The most recent offense stemmed from a Sept. 1, 2012 incident where Steele was arrested following a traffic stop by a Missouri State Highway Patrol officer. During that stop, Steele refused to provide a breath sample or participate in field sobriety tests.

Steele has also been convicted on two other separate felony offenses and will face a minimum of 10 years or up to a maximum of life in the Missouri Department of Corrections. Under Missouri law, Steele would not be eligible for parole until he has served at least two years of any sentence he receives.

Steele will appear for sentencing with Judge Karl Demarce in Lewis County Circuit Court on Nov. 6. He remains in custody until that court appearance.